Madame Zuzu’s supports the bitter jester music festival

Check out what Madame Zuzu’s in Highland Park, Illinois, has to say about the Bitter Jester Music Fest!

To Whom It May Concern,

Madame Zuzu’s is a plant-based cafe, venue, eclectic shop, and tourist destination based in Highland Park, IL. Founded by rockstar Billy Corgan and Chloé Mendel, since its inception in 2012 Zuzu’s has become a nationally recognized brand known for its unique atmosphere, collectibles, and good vibes.

Music is at the very core of who we are. So is our connection to the city we call home: Highland Park. We believe in the power of community and celebrating local businesses. Last summer, Zuzu’s had the pleasure of hosting both the Opening Night and Grand Finale concerts of the Bitter Jester Music Festival. The festival is run by a non-profit and fellow local business, the Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts. BJFA has been producing this indie music festival right in our own backyard for nearly 20 years.

Watching young, talented, and passionate musicians perform on a stage at the Finale and the professionalism of the festival team was very impressive. I reached out the following day to brainstorm ways in which we could bring more Bitter Jester performers (and patrons) into our space. In a time where it is so difficult for young musicians to perform in front of an audience – after the tragic events in Highland Park, IL, on July 4th – we found that the community now, more than ever, seeks ways to gather together, listen to music, and spread love. 

We are proud to now be partnering with the Bitter Jester Foundation to help launch their brand new songwriter competition. As a venue for the arts, we are excited to be the home of this future event and help encourage up and coming acts to perform in a place of inclusivity, warmth, and notoriety.

Bitter Jester’s track record of discovering and cultivating the next generation of musical talent – combined with our performance venue and its musical history – is a natural ‘marriage’ for this new competition.

With the proper sponsorship and support, this competition and concert will attract more people to the city of Highland Park and elevate the already exceptional work that Bitter Jester is doing for the next generation of American musicians.

I hope you will help support this exciting new program so that we can host many more Bitter Jester performers in the years to come. This opportunity will be a win for our community, a success for Zuzu’s, and a smash hit for any sponsor looking to support a great non-profit while also having their name associated with some immensely positive goodwill.

Signed: Chloé Mendel, Co-Founder, Madame Zuzu’s